Having previously used the Epson K3 inks my impression is that Lucia/EX are about the same as K3 for matte, but better for gloss/semi-gloss (I've gotten L* readings as low as 2.25 on some semi-gloss papers).
Make sure to compare numbers that are apples to apples; it wouldn't be hard to get a single spot-reading from Measure Tool that's higher than the result from QTR-Create-ICC (which is from averaging readings for several patches). These QTR numbers correlate to black-points in the L* range of about 14.5 - 17. It may be possible to achieve slightly better DMax numbers on the matte papers with a different media type selection, but it would probably come at the expense of overall tonality and linearity. The Lucia EX seems to be at its best on photo-black papers.
Dmax measured by Scott Martin:
For DMax and Dmin numbers I like to break out an unfiltered EyeOne and use MeasureTool to take some measurements by hand. I take several and average the results. This is more accurate than using the profile for this, especially when a UV filtered device is used to make the profile. Different devices for different purposes.
I just took out some Canson targets from the 8300, 9900 and z3200. On a black patch I'm seeing an averaged L value of 3.1 from the 8300 and a value of 6 from the 9900 and 8.2 on the Z3200. Visually you can just barely make out these differences under bright light. For those that don't know, lower L values are better, and translate into darker, richer blacks!
Dmax measured by Realman10:
From my observations on my 6300 and a friend's 7900 I have found these consistent numbers:
Gloss/Baryta color print: L=1.8 for 6300 and L=4.5 for the Epson
Same but B&W driver for Epson L=2.2
Matte, both around L=15
All measured with an Eye-one Pro no-UV with Measure Tool
The depth of Black of the x300 is absolutely stunning and unmatched on color prints.
What is the Dmax of the Lucia EX inkset on various papers?
Note: The Lucia EX inkset is the improved version of the Canon inks available in the iPF6300/iPF8300.
Dmax measured by Jeff Kohn:
Here are some of the DMax's I've measured in monochrome mode on the 6300 (as calculated by QuadToneRIP's QTR-Create-ICC.exe):
For matte papers:
Hahn Photo Rag 308 - 1.68
Canson Rag Photographique - 1.64
Epson Cold Press Natural - 1.72
For semi-gloss/baryta:
Canson Baryta Photographique - 2.59
Canson Platine Fiber Rag - 2.46
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta - 2.57
Having previously used the Epson K3 inks my impression is that Lucia/EX are about the same as K3 for matte, but better for gloss/semi-gloss (I've gotten L* readings as low as 2.25 on some semi-gloss papers).
Make sure to compare numbers that are apples to apples; it wouldn't be hard to get a single spot-reading from Measure Tool that's higher than the result from QTR-Create-ICC (which is from averaging readings for several patches). These QTR numbers correlate to black-points in the L* range of about 14.5 - 17. It may be possible to achieve slightly better DMax numbers on the matte papers with a different media type selection, but it would probably come at the expense of overall tonality and linearity. The Lucia EX seems to be at its best on photo-black papers.
Dmax measured by Scott Martin:
For DMax and Dmin numbers I like to break out an unfiltered EyeOne and use MeasureTool to take some measurements by hand. I take several and average the results. This is more accurate than using the profile for this, especially when a UV filtered device is used to make the profile. Different devices for different purposes.
I just took out some Canson targets from the 8300, 9900 and z3200. On a black patch I'm seeing an averaged L value of 3.1 from the 8300 and a value of 6 from the 9900 and 8.2 on the Z3200. Visually you can just barely make out these differences under bright light. For those that don't know, lower L values are better, and translate into darker, richer blacks!
Dmax measured by Realman10:
From my observations on my 6300 and a friend's 7900 I have found these consistent numbers:
- Gloss/Baryta color print: L=1.8 for 6300 and L=4.5 for the Epson
- Same but B&W driver for Epson L=2.2
- Matte, both around L=15
All measured with an Eye-one Pro no-UV with Measure ToolThe depth of Black of the x300 is absolutely stunning and unmatched on color prints.